Sabbatical Trifold letter size.indd - The First Congregational Church

During the sabbatical period, Abby Salak will serve our
congregation with some of Mark’s responsibilities. The
primary role will be to complete administrative work of
the Director of Christian Education that has been out-
lined by the Director and Senior Minister. The Interim
will only be working 15 hours a week. The Interim will
be leading the Youth Mission Trip with the Senior Min-
ister in July.
Abby Salak is a member of First Congregational Church
UCC and is presently a seminary student at The Method-
ist Theological School in Ohio in Delaware Ohio. Abby
has served on the Christian Education Committee,
Church Growth Committee and as a youth leader. She
has travelled on two mission trips with our youth in the
past and also attended the UCC National Youth Event
last summer with our youth and Mark. Her partner, Me-
lissa Prendergast, serves on Church Council.
Will Education programs and committees
in the congregation continue as usual?
Yes. The work of all the education groups and
committees in our congregation will continue
without interruption. Although the sabbati-
cal was scheduled while the Education Hour is
recessed for the summer, planning and imple-
mentation will continue during this time.
The Congregation at the Annual Meeting
allocated $3,239 in the FY 2013 budget to
cover the cost associated with the salary of
the Interim. The Director of Christian Education
did not request funds for expenses
incurred during his sabbatical.
To keep us informed about his activities and experienc-
es, Mark Williams will write an article for the newsletter
each month. At the conclusion of the sabbatical, Mark
w i l l s h a r e h i s j o u r n e y w i t h i n d i ff e r e n t m e d i a i n t h e F a l l .
The Sabbatical Committee serves as a supporting role in facilitat-
ing collaboration among the Personnel Committee, Christian
Education and the Director of Christian Education. If you are
unsure whom to contact, please feel free to ask someone on the
Sabbatical Committee.
First Congregational Church
United Church of Christ
444 East Broad Street
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Columbus , Ohio 43215
INSIDE
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What is a
Sabbatical?
Frequently asked questions and
information about the sabbatical.

Dear Members and Friends of
First Congregational Church UCC,
in a typical work year. Religious educators make an intense commitment
of time and energy to their congregations. This work
Our Director of Christian Education, Mark S. Williams, will schedule allows for little opportunity for the thoughtful enrich-
be on sabbatical between May 20th and August 20th of ment, analysis, study and evaluation that sabbatical leave allows.
2 0 1 3 . W i t h h i s o n e y e a r o f i n t e r i m a n d v e y e a r s o f s eMr. r v iMark c e will use this time to study, read, research and write. He
to the congregation, Mark is eligible for sabbatical leave will travel and visit other UCC churches and Christian Education
by the guidelines of the First Congregational Church ministries to gather ideas and build networks. Also, he will visit the
UCC Personnel Policy. Please know this sabbatical is not UCC Church House in Cleveland to build relationships and gain an
in any way connected to Mark’s past health issues. He understanding of the work of our denomination. He will visit and
continues to grow stronger physically and spiritually. network with local organizations for our youth and children’s mis-
A Sabbatical Farewell will be on Sunday, May 12th, and sion opportunities. Taking time for renewal serves to sustain cre-
the Sabbatical Welcome Back will be on Sunday, August ative and intensive endeavors. Sabbaticals are not vacations, but
25th. The remainder of this brochure answers Frequently pathways to viewing vocations in new ways, through fresh eyes.
Asked Questions. We hope the information conveys the The goal of this activity is to return to the congregation renewed,
assurance of continued congregational vitality through
the sabbatical. We are excited for the renewal that the
refreshed.
sabbatical holds for Mark and enthusiastic about the
ways that our congregation will develop and grow dur-
ing this period.
Sincerely,
Sabbatical Committee, First Congregational Church UCC
Kevin Cubick, Personnel Committee Liaison
Deana Armstrong, Education Commissioner
Todd Cunningham, CE Advisory Member
S
A sabbatical is a period of special leave granted for professional
development in a manner not possible during the press of activity
H
completed before Mark leaves for sabbatical will be a
T h e s a b b a t i c a l p a r t n e r s h i p p r o v i d e s b e n e t s f o r b o t h t h e Dgreat i r e c -relief
to him and the Education Committee. Your
tor of Christian Education and congregation. Mark’s sabbatical continued attendance at Sunday services during the
will provide an “opening” for the talents and gifts of members sabbatical period is crucial and serves to maintain the
to emerge. Our vision is that the congregation will experience a vitality of the congregation. We will also need volun-
n e w s e n s e o f f u l l l m e n t f r o m s h a r i n g r e s p o n s i b i l i t y f o r m a iteers n t a i to n - assist with leading Worship Connections each
ing our faith community and caring for one another. For Mark, we Sunday during the 11am service. Volunteers will also
e n v i s i o n t h a t h i s t i m e f o r w r i t i n g , s t u d y , r e ł e c t i o n a n d be r e sneeded t w i l l during the summer to assist the Interim
provide a renewal in the fullest sense. We look forward to these with curriculum and classroom preparation.
opportunities for him and ourselves, and to Mark’s joyful return
near the end August to prepare for the beginning of our educa-
tion ministries in September.
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C
In a word – no. During the sabbatical, the Director is
freed from all normal responsibilities. To protect the
integrity of his leave, we politely request that congre-
gants avoid contacting Mark for any reason during the
sabbatical period. Should you see him somewhere in
t o w n , a f r i e n d l y h e l l o o r a h u g i s n e . A n d o f c o u r s e
members are invited to his wedding on July 6, 2013,
at 6:30 pm. Please respect his special time away, how-
ever, by avoiding discussion of congregational issues
or personal problems in person, by phone or by email.
If you are uncertain whom to contact during Mark’s
absence, please contact Interim, Abby Salak (asalak@
r s t - c h u r c h . o r g ) o r 2 2 8 - 1 7 4 1 , e x t . 1 5 .
H
The immediate way to help is for those willing to teach
Church School for next year to contact Mark as soon
as possible. Knowing that the teacher list has been